HORSEPOWER

Ford: All-New 3.5-Liter, V-6 Engine Offers Significant Power Boost

July 13, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

Best-in-class performance from Ford’s largest EcoBoost engine.

The Ford Motor Company continues to provide reasons for customers to consider its best-selling F-Series pickup truck line. Its main model, the popular F-150, is endowed with countless configuration options and offers four gasoline engines for the choosing.

Second-Generation EcoBoost Engine

One of those engines is a turbocharged 3.5-liter, V-6 and come this fall the second-generation version will be released. The new engine will be paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission Ford developed in partnership with its chief rival, GM. The new transmission will also appear in other models, including the 2017 Mustang.

Benefitting the new engine is an increase in performance, with horsepower boosted from 365 hp to 375 hp. The most significant change, however, is in pulling power as torque rises from 420 foot-pounds to 470 foot-pounds. Notably, the extra power places the engine on top of the performance heap as it surpasses all diesel and gasoline competitors, including V-8s.

“The 2017 Ford F-150 now delivers the best torque in the segment,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. “This class-leading torque arrives with a transformative 10-speed automatic that improves nearly every aspect of F-150 performance.”

New Power Plant Combination

Of the new power plant combination, Ford says it will supply improved acceleration and performance when compared with the current engine and six-speed transmission. Specifically, the second-generation engine “…provides better low-end and peak engine performance, ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.”

Depending on just how the truck is configured, Ford data reveals that the beefy V-6 can currently pull from 10,600 to 12,200 pounds. Data for the second-generation engine has not yet been released. The current fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway are expected to improve.

Additional Engine Choices

The standard F-150 engine is a normally aspirated 3.5-liter, V-6 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 282 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque and replaced the previously used 3.7-liter V-6. It also has the lowest tow rating amongst the four engines offered, ranging from 5,000 to 7,600 pounds.

A smaller EcoBoost engine is also available, this one displacing at 2.7 liters. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, its power ratings are 325 horsepower and 375 foot-pounds of torque. This truck has a tow rating ranging from 7,600 to 8,500 pounds. Along with the larger turbo engine, the two EcoBoost engines represent approximately 60 percent of all F-150 sales.

The only V-8 engine offered displaces at 5.0 liters and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Power ratings are 385 horsepower and 387 foot-pounds of torque with a tow rating ranging from 8,300 to 11,100 pounds.

Holding Off the Competition

The new power plant combination enables Ford to keep its F-150 product line fresh. Completely overhauled in 2015 and now featuring an aluminum body, truck sales for Ford have been strong this year. Indeed, the F-150 is experiencing the strongest growth in the segment as it is up 10.7 percent through the first half of the year according to GoodCarBadCar.net. Ford continues to enjoy strong sales despite a Chevrolet ad campaign poking holes at its aluminum body.

On the other hand, sales for the second-best selling Chevrolet Silverado are down 0.8 percent through the same period. Other models in this segment include the Ram Pickup (up 8.8 percent), the GMC Sierra (up 5.6 percent), the Toyota Tundra (down 9.9 percent) and the Nissan Titan (up 8.8 percent). The Nissan is the newest model in the segment with its latest edition rolling out this calendar year.

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2017 Ford F-150 Lariat photo copyright the Ford Motor Company.

Dodge Hellcat Commercials Air, But You Cannot Have One

July 8, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles scored big this model year when the company announced high-performance Hellcat versions of both the Dodge Challenger coupe and the Dodge Charger sedan. The two Hellcat models are powered by a supercharged 6.4-liter, V-8 engine making 707 horsepower, a previously unheard of number for a production car.

As soon as FCA announced the new vehicles, customers responded by placing orders for them. However, customer interest was far greater than what FCA anticipated and by March the automaker quit taking orders as it wasn’t able to keep up with demand. Most people who ordered one should be able to get a 2015 model, but others may have to wait for production to resume for the 2016 model year.

Hellcat Predator Commercials

So, why did Dodge begin to run commercials this weekend advertising models that are not available? That decision may seem curious as a pair of “predator” commercials began airing Sunday in 30- and 90-second spots, and were telecast on major sports and entertainment channels, including TNT, TBS, and Discovery. In the commercials, Dodge played a recording of Phil Collins singing, “In the Air Tonight,” as both models plus the Viper GTS demonstrated street prowess.

Consider the decision an effort by Dodge to build brand identity. In fact, that is exactly what Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said when asked by a Detroit Free Press reporter the reason for the commercials, “We don’t build Hellcats or Vipers for high volume, we build them as (a) brand positioning statement.” Kuniskis emphasized that Dodge wanted to “…send a very strong message about the brand personality and attitude.”

In a recent brand restructuring move, FCA made changes that recast the Chrysler marque as a mainstream brand and Dodge as a performance make. The transition is not complete as new and updated models come to the market, while others are discontinued, such as the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

Brands Sales Are Down

Besides Viper, Charger, Challenger and the Grand Caravan, Dodge also sells the midsize Journey crossover utility vehicle, a Durango SUV, and a compact Dart. A performance Durango R/T model powered by a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine making 360 horsepower is currently available. A high-performance Dart SRT variant is also in the works, but that model seems delayed. Even so, the Hellcat commercials are designed to get customers to consider other models as the Hellcat halo overshadows them.

Before the commercials began to run, Dodge was seeing mixed interest in the brand. Dodge sales are down by 16 percent this year, but nearly the entire loss can be attributed to the discontinuation of the midsize Avenger. FCA decided to give the Chrysler brand an all new 200, but left Dodge without a similar model.

Dodge Grand Caravan sales have plummeted too as customers continue to move away from minivans to crossovers.

Pony Car Wars: Challenger Closes the Gap

Among the biggest gainers for Dodge is the Challenger as sales continue to rise for the year. Specifically, Challenger sales are up 41 percent on volume of 37,011 units sold through the first six months of the year. Moreover, the Dodge Challenger is closing in on the second-place Chevrolet Camaro and its 42,593 units sold (down 8.7 percent). The Ford Mustang leads the pony car segment on 68,290 vehicles sold (up 54.4 percent). Dodge Charger sales are also up a modest 2 percent through June 2015.

Dodge Dart sales are also surging and are up 29 percent on 49,055 units sold for the year. However, this compact model has fallen far short of the company’s sales projections and is selling in numbers that are less than one-third that of competing models such as the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.

Hellcat Online Auctions

If you really want a 2015 Hellcat you may have to pursue a less conventional path to vehicle ownership. At the same time Dodge was airing the commercials, eBay Motors was featuring new and used 2015 Hellcats. Pricing for the Challenger Hellcat begins at $59,900, but the “buy it now’ price was coming in at upwards of $20,000 above the base sticker price.

Downward Displacement: Four Cylinders for Porsche?

June 3, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Small engines to deliver big power for future Porsche models.

Flathead sixes and Porsches go together. At least they have so for decades. From time to time rumors that a V-6 might be used have surfaced, but quickly have been disputed by experts if not dismissed outright by Porsche itself.

What likely won’t be quickly laid to rest are rumors that a family of horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines are in the works, with Britain’s Car magazine insisting as much in a story that they ran on Monday.

Porsche Cayman S. — Flathead fours may power future Porsche Cayman models.

Flathead Fours Rumored

Car says that three four-cylinder flathead engines are in the works, displacing at 1.6, 2.0 and 2.5 liters. However, only the two larger fours would be used initially — in the Boxster and Cayman — supplementing, not replacing, the currently available sixes that customers love and prize.

A 1.6-liter four, if built, would power a new Porsche roadster to slot at the bottom of Porsche’s model hierarchy. Over the past decade, Porsche has been continually expanding its product line, bringing the Macan sport utility vehicle to the market this summer and it is expected to follow that up with one or two new models over the next few years.

Car correctly pointed out that Subaru is the only manufacturer that produces flathead fours. Unlike Subaru’s turbo-free BRZ, Porsche will make good use of turbochargers and direct injection to squeeze much power out of the smaller footprints.

Porsche 911 Carrera S — Smaller engines are not destined for the 911, at least not yet.

Horsepower and Torque

Indeed, Car also got very specific about the spec data that it says it has seen for these engines, with the 1.6-liter delivering 210 bhp, the 2.0-liter coming in at 266 bhp and the big four rated at 386 bhp. BHP is brake horsepower, a measurement of horsepower delivered at the engine crankshaft. Those numbers are adjusted slightly to our measurements, calculated by using a dynamometer.

By the way, Car estimates that the 2.0 liter will make 295 foot-pounds of torque and the larger four will bang out 347 foot-pounds. Smaller engines, but still lots of power. Figure that a 6-speed manual would be standard; a 7-speed PDK transmission would be available.

Smaller Footprint, Ample Power

The switch to smaller engines comes as tighter fuel requirements advance in the United States and tax considerations weigh in across Europe. Consumer preference for smaller engines is a consideration too although for rabid Porsche fans only sixes will do. That leaves an untold number of consumers who won’t care or at least won’t be put off by the smaller engines.

The trend to smaller engines has been underway for a number of years with V-8s disappearing except in the largest vehicles such as pickup trucks and full-size models including sedans. Making use of direct injection, variable valve lift technology and turbochargers has made it possible for smaller engines to deliver comparable power within a compressed footprint.

Light Weight Materials

Further weight savings through the wider use of lighter materials will enable manufacturers to deliver new models with comparable overall performance to heavier models. Ford, for example, is using aluminum to shed weight from its 2015 F-150 truck while other manufacturers are using high-strength steel and carbon fiber composites to shave weight.

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Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Hockey Stick Graphics Package Delivers Boss 302 Eye Candy

June 5, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Specifications of a 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302.

If you like tribute cars or vehicles that take its styling cues from another era, then the Ford Mustang is right up your alley. The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 edition takes paying tribute one step further by embodying the spirit of the 1970 Boss 302 edition with its new, reflective hockey stick graphics package. Ford chose School Bus Yellow as its paint scheme, ideal for parents who chase down the school bus to bring Johnny his forgotten lunch. Not really! Instead, the color scheme is a heritage color outfitted on a truly modern road-ripping masterpiece.

Engine and Transmission

Performance is what you want and the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 delivers it in spades. This model is outfitted with a 5.0-liter (302 cubic foot) V-8 engine that bangs out 444 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 380 foot-pounds of stroke at 4,500 rpm. This double overhead cam engine is paired with a short-throw, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission for optimum shifting capabilities.

Other features that enhance the Boss 302’s driving characteristics include a limited slip 3.73 rear axle that makes use of carbon fiber clutch plates, with optional Torsen differential available. This model features firmer coil springs and suspension bushings at all four corners, a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, manually adjustable shocks and struts, 19-inch racing wheels set within Pirelli P Zero summer tires, and 14-inch vented font rotors with Brembo 4-piston calipers. A front splitter and a rear spoiler are standard.

Model Dimensions

Like all current Mustang models, the Boss sits on a 107.1-inch wheelbase and is 188.5 inches long, 73.9 inches wide and 55.8 inches tall. You get 81.0 cubic feet of passenger volume and enjoy a 13.4 cubic foot trunk.

Unlike most other Mustangs, the Boss 302 seats two adults as Ford removed its rear seat. That’s good because all other ‘Stangs make the rear seat a torture test for everyone except your small children.

Model Highlights

Along with its bright yellow paint scheme you can choose a Boss Laguna Seca model that offers sterling gray accents. Its reflective graphics package is a first for a modern production car. When an oncoming car’s headlights hit the stripes they come to life.

Inside, the Boss features heated Recaro seats with gray logos built right in. Hands-free connectivity is a must and Ford SYNC offers voice-activated calling via any Bluetooth-connected mobile phone. You can control the USB-connected digital music player by voice too, enabling you to keep your hands on the wheel and stick at all times.

The cabin offers a soft, one-piece instrument panel with two oversized analog dials that flank a digital driver’s information center. An available Shaker audio system with HD radio features six speakers and two subwoofers. Manual air-conditioning is standard.

Convenience features include a pair of covered upholders, map pockets, two power points, a locking console with full armrest and storage, illuminated sun visors with storage, scuff plates, and bright clutch, brake and accelerator pedals.

Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

Confessions of a New MINI Cooper Owner

January 14, 2011 by Andrew Rosen Leave a Comment

After several weeks of debate, I decided to make the plunge: I bought myself a MINI Cooper. Like most first-timers, I was hesitant. Do good things really come in small packages? Here are a few things you might not know about owning a MINI Cooper.

1. THE MESSAGE. The marketing doesn’t stop — even after you buy the vehicle! The MINI gang does a great job of reminding you that you are now part of a new family. They are always sending cool little gifts. From the MINI Adventure Kit that arrived six weeks after I purchased my Hardtop S to the stuffed bulldog and pewter keychain given to me at the dealership – these guys know how to get their message across. There is even a glossy MINI magazine mailed twice a year.

2. THE SPEED. To say that the MINI is “peppy” is an understatement. Thanks to a short body and 181 horses, passing other cars on the highway is a breeze. I am a cautious driver. I love that the engine is reactive and responsive, all while giving me a feeling of control.

3. THE GAS. The miles you squeeze out per gallon are determined by your driving style. City results have been respectable, but it’s the highway mileage that has really impressed me. I’m easily getting 35 miles per gallon. I sure don’t miss the gas station.

4. THE ACCOLADES. I already knew that the MINI attracts attention – but I had no idea how many heads it would turn and how envious friends, family and strangers would be. People are genuinely excited to get a close look and step inside. I might not be the coolest cat in town, but I think my street cred just went up a notch.

5. THE WEATHER. Snow, sleet, ice – no problem. I had serious reservations about my run-flat tires. But so far, so good. The MINI has performed like a champ in all types of weather. As long as you take it nice and easy, and stay away from high snow drifts, there’s no reason your MINI can’t escape from the garage on a snow day.

6. THE TANK. When I close the door on my MINI, I feel like I have entered a fortress of solitude. Every entry and exit is a reminder that I have not sacrificed safety to be some eco-friendly hipster.

7. THE SPACE. Yes, the car is small – but it is a model of successful ergonomics. I’ve yet to run into an everyday storage situation that the car couldn’t handle. The seats flip down with ease and having a hatch open is crazy convenient.

I don’t want to be a full-on MINI cheerleader, so let me tell you about a few things that I am not enamored with. When I first test drove the car I found the center console, with the supersized speedometer a bit, well, off center. I have had a difficult time getting used to it, and have found that it benefits the passenger far more than a driver.

Also underwhelming has been the MINI’s heating system. The thing takes a long time to heat up; given the cabin size, that’s unacceptable. The saving grace has been the heated seats (a must have!). I’d also like for the standard stereo to pump out a more dynamic sound. Aside from the volume being relatively low, I find that I am often missing extreme highs and lows – even on satellite and HD radio.

Overall the MINI is the perfect car for my lifestyle, Unless there are triplets in my future, I can see owning a MINI for life.